BookTech Gets Down to Book Business

You know the saying, "A rolling stone gathers no moss." If today's publishing industry were the hypothetical stone, not only would it gather no moss, but sparks and smoke would be spewing out in its wake. Change is happening so fast.

In its November/December issue last year, BookTech Magazine reported a story called "E-Book Technology Enters the Classroom" about a Kansas school district's implementation of an e-book program—3,000 handheld e-readers were given to students and staff, with access to 500 e-book titles. Today, "The eReader is part of the everyday delivery in the English classrooms," says Rita Lyons, Olathe Unified School District's director of technology. And other new technology-related educational projects are already in progress, she adds.

Now, professors are producing podcasts of lectures and interviews for students; Rand McNally has Mobile Travel Tools, and Holtzbrinck Publishers' features weekly podcasts, such as "Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom"; and lots more.

In light of all of the rapid changes you are facing, BookTech Magazine is making a few substantial changes itself. Starting with our January/February 2006 issue, BookTech will have a new name: Book Business. The name reflects our expanded editorial coverage to address the full range of issues you face. In addition to our core coverage of book manufacturing, production and workflow, we'll cover e-publishing, marketing, selling online, distribution and more business management topics.

The 2006 BookTech Conference and Expo (March 20-22, 2006, in New Yok City) also is expanding its coverage to pack three days full of how-to educational sessions on book manufacturing and workflow; publishing management; and sales, marketing and distribution. Top executives at some of the most innovative publishing companies will be presenting. (See the program overview on p. 39 for the preliminary lineup or go to www.BookTechExpo.com.)